FAQ

Thanks to continuously evolving production techniques and optimized manufacturing processes, 3G cables are made to the tightest tolerances, ensuring exceptionally consistent electrical parameters and geometric isotropy along the entire cable length. What may initially seem like minor design refinements actually result in a remarkable leap in musical fidelity.

In addition, 3G cables feature several new technologies that clearly set them apart: DSC (Distributed Symmetrical Conductor) hexagonal architecture, an innovative Combined two-layer SPVC jacket with an inner air-foamed layer, SASDB^® dielectric binding with an outer cotton tape layer, and several other important design enhancements.

The quality of conductor insulation is just as important as the conductor itself. When current flows, the electromagnetic field that carries the signal energy is concentrated not within the conductor, but in the surrounding insulating layer. This makes insulation the most critical element of cable design, directly determining signal energy loss. The benefits of an expensive ultra-pure conductor are often negated when paired with mediocre insulation – a flaw frequently seen in competitors’ products.

Tchernov Cable has developed and successfully implemented proprietary insulation technologies such as CAFPE^® and SATI^® (see the Technologies section). In symmetrical cables, we use what we call complex insulation: in addition to individual conductor insulation, SDB or SASDB^® dielectric bindings are applied to enhance our industry-leading dielectric performance.

Dielectric binding further reduces the cable’s distributed capacitance & dielectric loss, as well as minimizes electrodynamic noise between the conductors. The result is greater definition across an extended frequency range and improved dynamics. Very few manufacturers currently employ such a complex insulation.

BRC stands for Balanced Refinement Copper. Every ounce we use is mined in Russia’s Ural Region and undergoes electrolytic refinement to achieve a completely uniform, defect-free crystal structure. This process results in unrivalled electrical and thermal conductivity, high ductility, and excellent resistance to tearing. BRC delivers exceptional musical fidelity, reproducing recorded information exactly as it was captured without impregnated colouration.

Scrupulous analysis combined with painstaking listening tests helped us identify the chemical elements that most negatively affect sound quality: Si, S, As, Ge, Sn, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co. In contrast, trace amounts of silver (Ag) and lead (Pb) are relatively benign, as they increase the recrystallization temperature and help the wire maintain high electrical conductivity even under mechanical stress.

The trace concentrations of the undesirable elements listed above in BRC conductors, which are used in our Standard, Special, Pro, Classic, and Reference series, correspond to incremental purity levels between 4N and 6N (99.99–99.9999%), according to the standard OFC (oxygen-free copper) classification. BRC+ conductors, which are reserved exclusively for the flagship Ultimate range, achieve purity equivalent to 7N (99.99999%), the highest degree of copper purity currently attainable in the High-End industry.

That’s correct – but the transition to X-Shield^® is by no means a simplification or downgrade. On the contrary, X-Shield^®, our Multi-Element Shielding System, has been continuously refined and improved. The earlier SE (Super Efficiency) version, reinforced with two layers of solid rolled copper foil, was used exclusively in the second generation of Reference and Ultimate cables. Today, this enhanced configuration has become the new standard, featuring a higher-grade copper foil seamlessly integrated into the design. Moreover, the overlaying process has been methodically optimized to further reduce contact noise within the shield structure and to ensure consistent shielding performance even when the cable is bent.

We have been using the newly developed Combined 2-Layer SPVC Jacket with an Inner Air-Foamed Layer in our 3G Standard, Special, Classic, and Pro series cables since 2022. This jacket is overlaid using a unique Russian-made Special PVC elastron, known for its outstanding vibration-damping properties, excellent filling capability, and low brittle temperature.

Yes. What you’ll have is a self-assembled cable, not a factory-produced one. Our team’s expertise ensures reference-level assembly quality, consistent reproducibility across all units, and strict compliance with tested and approved production standards.

When a DIY cable is assembled independently, none of these conditions can be guaranteed. The result is unpredictable, and full responsibility for its performance rests entirely with the user.

Remember: a factory-made Tchernov Cable is a fully engineered, purpose-designed product, which is engineered end-to-end to meet our rigorous quality standards and protected by our official warranty.

Audio equipment is generally designed with either single-ended or balanced circuitry. In single-ended circuits, a single-phase signal is transmitted and amplified, while in balanced circuits, a differential two-phase signal is used. Both approaches have their advantages. From a physics standpoint, coaxial cables are the most suitable choice for single-ended signal paths. Using a symmetrical cable (with a twisted pair of conductors) in single-ended or pseudo-balanced mode may be justified only by the fact that identical conductors are employed for both signal and ground, but this comes at the cost of reduced noise immunity compared to a coaxial design.

For balanced circuits, symmetrical cables are unequivocally recommended, as they provide the highest rejection of external EMI. Even in pseudo-balanced configurations (where only one phase of the differential line is active), symmetrical cables remain preferable because the forward and return conductors are identical.

*For symmetrical interconnects in a pseudo-balanced configuration, the shield should be grounded at the source end.

At Tchernov Cable, we use a proprietary solder with a low melting point of 180°C and an ideal silver-to-copper ratio. We recommend setting a soldering station with a low-thermal-mass tip to around 360°C. In practice, depending on the tip type and soldering technique, the working temperature may range between 290°C and 430°C.

A speaker cable is a critical part of the ‘amplifier–cable–speaker’ chain, and its design should correspond closely to the key parameters of the connected components. When selecting a cable, consider the amplifier’s output stage class and RMS power, as well as the speaker’s sensitivity, impedance, and crossover complexity.

It is often assumed that the conductor cross-section is the main factor determining a speaker cable’s quality, since a larger cross-section reduces resistance. This is true, but not always. When the transmitted power is relatively low (as in Class A, tube, or low-output integrated amplifiers), thermal compression distortion in a 1.5 mm² conductor is negligible, remaining well below the level of thermal noise. For such systems, the key issue is not thermal compression losses caused by insufficient conductor caliber, but rather the distortion generated by the cable itself, along with the induced EMI and self-emitted EM radiation. Specifically:

• Nonlinear distortions caused by parasitic Schottky barrier structures, which form at crystal boundaries and lattice defects, are directly proportional to the conductor’s total volume (cross-section). In other words, assuming all other factors remain constant, the larger the cross-section, the higher the level of intrinsic distortion.

• Less dielectric volume surrounding a smaller conductor minimizes signal energy loss within the insulation, resulting in higher fidelity.

• A smaller conductor also presents a reduced effective antenna area, lowering both its susceptibility to induced EMI and the amount of EM radiation it emits.

In short: conductors with a smaller cross-section generate fewer intrinsic distortions, exhibit superior dielectric properties, and are less sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This translates into a wider dynamic range, and higher musical fidelity across the entire audio spectrum. Additionally, their typically slimmer profile and enhanced flexibility make installation both easy and aesthetically pleasing.

Sophisticated speaker cables with a larger conductor cross-section (4 mm² and above) are the optimal choice for High-End solid-state power amplifiers operating in Class AB, B, or D. These cables are specifically designed to transmit high-current signals and drive low-impedance, multi-way loudspeakers with relatively low sensitivity (87 dB or below). In such setups, low resistance, combined with high-quality insulation and effective shielding against external EM fields, becomes the key design priority.

Overall, speaker cables with 1.5–2.5 mm² conductors are perfectly suitable for the vast majority of modern amplifiers and loudspeakers. For integrated amplifiers with a built-in DAC or digital source, the use of a shielded speaker cable is recommended. 

A quad-conductor speaker cable is dedicated for Hi-Fi speakers equipped with two pairs of binding posts – one for mid/high frequencies (MF/HF) and the other for low frequencies (LF). Based on our experience, such a Bi-Wire configuration delivers clear sonic benefits. By driving the LF and MF/HF sections of the crossover through separate conductor pairs, Bi-Wiring eliminates cross-modulation thermal distortions that occur when powerful low-frequency signals and delicate mid/high-frequency signals share the same conductor.

Power supply is fundamental to building any AV system. There are two main AC power schemes: 2-Pole and 3-Pole.

Grounding the chassis, as required by safety regulations, can sometimes create unpredictable ground loops, resulting in an audible hum. In the worst case, a closed loop may form between the external ground circuit and the internal chassis or common connections. External electromagnetic fields (EMF) can then induce eddy currents, raising the noise level within the audio path. In other scenarios, where galvanic bonding is intentionally interrupted (for example, when the chassis is connected to the common through resistors or capacitors), large loop currents are avoided. However, the ground wiring itself may act as a large-loop antenna, picking up external EMI and re-radiating interference from the SMPS back into the mains. When this interference is received and demodulated within the amplifier’s circuitry, it can cause higher intermodulation distortion, an elevated noise floor, and even digital malfunctions.

The primary advantage of a 3-Pole scheme remains user safety. In the event of insulation failure inside a device, the chassis and controls stay at ground potential, preventing electric shock. A 3-Pole scheme performs best when true grounding is available and when device commons are galvanically isolated from the chassis.

A 2-Pole power scheme uses only two conductors: line and neutral. The neutral must be bonded to the ground at the home mains switchboard. For audio applications, a 2-Pole scheme is often more favorable, as it completely eliminates parasitic ground loops, which can introduce unwanted hum and noise. However, for equipment manufacturers, meeting safety regulations with this configuration requires a more complex design approach. In particular, isolation of the secondary circuits from the mains becomes mandatory – a process that adds significant cost and engineering complexity.

The type of amplifier should be the first consideration when selecting or upgrading an AC power cable. Class AB, B, and D amplifiers, rated from 100–150 W per channel, exhibit significant current-draw fluctuations that correlate directly with the audio signal. These amplifiers require power cables with a sufficiently large conductor cross-section – 4 mm² or more. A larger conductor caliber minimizes both static losses (from idle consumption) and dynamic losses (those varying with the signal). Reduced series resistance, combined with low-loss insulation and effective shielding against external EM fields, are the key factors determining the design of AC power cables for Class AB, B, and D amplifiers.

Solid-state Class A and tube amplifiers draw smaller, time-stable currents that are only weakly correlated with the audio signal. These amplifiers are typically paired with high-sensitivity loudspeakers (88–89 dB and above). For such setups, we recommend power cables with 1.5–2.5 mm² conductors. Shielding is desirable but not essential.

A separate category includes integrated amplifiers with a built-in DAC or onboard digital source. These ‘all-in-one’ devices usually have lower output power (around 40–70 W per channel) but operate in Class B or D. For such amplifiers, shielded power cables with 1.5–2.5 mm² conductors are an excellent choice.

To begin with, a 1.5 mm² conductor cross-section is by no means small. A 1 m length of 1.5 mm² copper conductor has a series resistance of approximately 0.01 Ω. In industrial applications, cables of this caliber are commonly used to handle currents up to 10–12 A and loads of 2–2.5 kW. In audio systems, where power consumption rarely exceeds a few hundred watts, such resistance values are entirely negligible.

Take, for example, a typical integrated Class AB solid-state amplifier. At idle, it consumes about 40 W. At maximum output (with both channels peaking simultaneously at 70 W each), total consumption rises to 140 W. However, the amplifier’s power supply, with its rectifiers and filter capacitors, does not draw this power instantaneously. Instead, the demand is distributed over time, according to the charge/discharge constants of the rectifier’s filter capacitors. The peak factor (PF) of a musical signal with a wide dynamic range typically ranges between 4 and 10. Even with PF = 4, the amplifier’s effective power draw is not 140 W sustained over tens of milliseconds, but closer to 35–50 W averaged over 1–2 seconds. In practice, this represents no more than a twofold increase over idle consumption – effectively a stable power load. For a tube amplifier, which includes filament supplies and operates its output stage close to Class A, power consumption remains essentially constant.

As noted above, a 1 m power cable with 1.5 mm² conductors (≈ 0.01 Ω resistance) causes a voltage drop of about 0.0035 V at idle (from a 230 V mains). Accounting for the temporal distribution of power draw, the drop increases only to 0.006–0.008 V at peak demand. These variations are tens or even hundreds of times smaller than the normal household mains fluctuations caused by devices like computers or home appliances switching on/off, and equally negligible compared to the voltage ripple inside the amplifier itself, such as that caused by diode heating during musical peaks.

The new Special AC Power cables with 1.5 mm² conductors are, in our view, the most efficient solution for supplying the vast majority of mid-priced audio and video devices with low and stable energy consumption: low-output integrated amplifiers, digital and analogue sources, CD players, TVs, DACs, preamplifiers, and tape recorders. For such equipment, the critical factor is not thermal compression losses due to insufficient conductor size, but rather the distortion generated by the cable itself, along with induced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and self-emitted EM radiation. Specifically:

• Nonlinear distortions caused by parasitic Schottky barrier structures, which form at crystal boundaries and lattice defects, are directly proportional to the conductor’s total volume (cross-section). In other words, assuming all other factors remain constant, the larger the cross-section, the higher the level of intrinsic distortion.

AV systems are often powered through wall outlets connected to the same mains spur as household appliances, computers, and other equipment. Noise, generated by these loads can negatively impact audio and video playback.

To unlock the full potential of a high-value AV setup, we recommend using a dedicated mains spur with specialized installation-grade cables. For this purpose, Tchernov Cable offers Special 5.5 AC Power Install Cable, specifically designed for organizing one or several isolated power spurs to supply either an entire system or separate groups of components. Every aspect of their design and materials makes these cables ideally suited for capital installation, delivering extended dynamic range and enhanced musical fidelity across the entire audio spectrum.

For the most demanding High-End setups, we suggest investing in more advanced shielded AC power cables, starting with Classic XS MkIII AC Power and continuing upward in the product hierarchy.

On-board mobile AV systems (Car & Marine Audio) operate in environments with high interference density and therefore require interconnect cables with supreme noise immunity. Our new Standard and Special interconnect cables were purpose-designed to meet these demanding conditions. Featuring 22- and 24-AWG BRC conductors, they have a reduced effective antenna area, which minimizes both susceptibility to induced EMI and self-emitted EM radiation. Their slim profile, excellent flexibility, and low-friction jacket make them easy to install in tight trunking spaces and complex cable management systems.

Engineered for maximum efficiency, the Standard and Special interconnects deliver performance far beyond what their straightforward construction might suggest. Musically refined, easy to handle, and affordably priced, they embody the best of Tchernov Cable’s advanced technologies and design expertise.

For the most discerning Car Audio enthusiasts, we recommend Ultimate Coaxial IC and symmetrical Ultimate Slim IC for both analogue and digital signal paths.

Reflections occur when the impedance of the source, the connecting cable, and the receiver are not perfectly matched, or when the cable includes sections with differing impedances, such as connectors. When such mismatches exist, the level of reflected energy depends on the mismatch coefficient, which is proportional to the ratio between the differing impedance segments.

For terminating our coaxial cables, we use custom-built RCA and BNC plugs precisely engineered to match the 75 Ω characteristic impedance within ±10%. This precise matching minimizes reflections at the source end and, as a result, reduces signal energy loss and distortion at the receiving end.

Cables designed to operate under temperature fluctuations and exposure to aggressive environments, such as our Standard DC Power cables, are insulated with Russian-made NPVC (neutral PVC elastron). Widely used in the medical industry, NPVC is distinguished by its excellent plasticity, outstanding vibration absorption, and high resistance to temperature changes, sunlight, and chemical exposure.